Institutional Framework for Design Entrepreneurship in Education

The 7th International Conference for Design Education Researchers, London, İngiltere, 29 Kasım - 01 Aralık 2023, ss.1-11

Entrepreneurship education and creating a supportive environment have been fundamental roles

of universities for some time. The interdisciplinary nature of industrial design positions it as a crucial

component of integrated innovation for businesses, with product entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of

product creation. However, the multifaceted responsibilities inherent in the design field create a complex

landscape for action, and the increasing demand for talented and entrepreneurial designers highlights the

need for a revised industrial design curriculum that cultivates the skills and mindsets required to meet these

demands. This paper emphasizes the significance of integrating design entrepreneurship education into the

curriculum in a structured and progressive manner that addresses various levels of intensity and content.

After defining the concept of entrepreneurship in design, the paper argues that a brief and cursory course

on entrepreneurship cannot effectively foster personal development, which should be the primary

objective of tiered entrepreneurship education. The paper posits that an entrepreneurial education model

prioritizing student development should accompany a curriculum overhaul that enables students to apply

theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, progressively develop entrepreneurial skills and attitudes,

and cultivate a robust entrepreneurial mindset. In addition, the paper asserts that a business-oriented

approach should be incorporated into design education to provide resources and services, as well as access

to infrastructure and superstructure, to cater to the diverse needs of aspiring entrepreneurs.